Letter to the editor: Rep. Stanley’s efforts on behalf of UMass Center for Urban Sustainability

October 18, 2016

 

Dee Kricker

24 Hillcrest Street

Waltham, MA 02451

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my support for the re-election of Tom Stanley to the House of Representatives. Representative Stanley provided critical leadership in effectively ushering through the House $22 million in funding for the UMass Center for Urban Sustainability included within the Environmental Bond Bill, An Act Providing for the Preservation and Improvement of Land, Parks and Clean Energy in the Commonwealth passed in 2014. This funding was cut by House leaders during the legislative process, but Rep. Stanley was able to restore funding for this unique Waltham Field Station project.

The Beaver Street location is home to Waltham Fields Community Farm, Green Rows of Waltham Community Gardens, Waltham Land Trust, Massachusetts Federation of Farmers Markets, Boston Area Gleaners and 4-H among other agriculture and land use groups. The much needed funding will allow for a cutting-edge facility to benefit our regional economy by providing  resources and training in the areas of sustainable farming, ecological land-use, and best practices of adaptive and green technologies to meet the ecological challenges ahead. The historic 58-acre UMass Waltham Field Station is uniquely suited for this exciting project as it has served a similar function for decades as a well-respected regional agronomic field station.

Recently, UMass Amherst officials initiated a strategic planning process resulting in a vision for the proposed UMass Center of Urban Sustainability in Waltham. The planning process included a series of meetings and phone interviews with tenants, community members and other stakeholders to gather information regarding current and potential future programs for site use.

A feasibility study assessed site conditions and potential build-out options. The proposed concept envisions its use for professionals and the public to learn about and to be engaged in sustainable agriculture, community-based food systems, and ecological land practices. Programs to address food security and access, environmental stewardship, urban agriculture and workforce development will be priority objectives. In addition, a section of  the Waltham Land Trust’s Western Greenway loop will traverse the site as it links to the Fernald property.

Representative Stanley worked with the UMass officials, local agricultural agencies, and his colleagues to insure the successful passage of funding for this state-of-the art Center for Urban Sustainability.  For his ongoing dedication to this effort, I respectfully endorse Rep. Stanley’s re-election.

Sincerely,

Dee Kricker